10 must-do trips to take at least once in your life

Have you already made your “bucket list” of must-see trips you’d like to take one day? Whether you love adventure, culture, or wide open spaces, you’ll find in this list the “great classics” of travel that will not disappoint you. The list could, of course, be much longer… There is so much beauty and so many cultures to discover on the planet.

The majestic Taj Mahal in India

Built in the 16th century, the Taj Mahal is the mausoleum erected by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan for his wife. A proof of eternal love… Located in Agra, east of New Delhi, it is considered the greatest architectural jewel of Indo-Islamic art. It is a perfect harmony between all the elements that compose it. It is one of the must-see trips during a stay in Northern India or in Rajasthan.

The Taj Mahal was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983 (learn more)

Machu Picchu in Peru

The lost city is in the imagination of all adventurers, young and old. An invaluable vestige of a still mysterious civilization, the archaeological site remained buried under vegetation for several centuries. It was only at the beginning of the 20th century that the American historian Hiram Bingham rediscovered this site of incredible historical richness. Perched at more than 2,400 m altitude, the place has not yet revealed all its secrets. Many researchers are still studying the ruins of this Inca city to understand the organization of this vanished civilization.

Machu Picchu, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1983, is THE must-see trip during a tour in Peru.

The Grand Canyon in the United States

Have you ever, even once in your life, felt tiny in the face of the grandeur of nature? If this has never happened to you or if you love this feeling, we recommend visiting the Grand Canyon in the United States. The Grand Canyon, if it bears this name, it’s for a reason: it is indeed one of the largest gorges in the world with about 1,500 m depth and more than two billion years behind it. It is between 500 m and 30 km wide and winds for more than 445 km. The Grand Canyon is not only geologically impressive, it also harbors endemic flora and fauna. Located in the northwest of the state of Arizona, it is classified as an American National Natural Park as well as a UNESCO natural heritage site. The Grand Canyon offers endless landscapes without ever seeing the same thing. Finally, for photography enthusiasts, visiting the Grand Canyon will amaze you with the beauty of its colors and the countless photos you’ll be able to post to inspire dreams.

Must-see trips in Bolivia: the Salar de Uyuni and Sud Lipez

Here is a region of the world that will not leave you indifferent. It is the largest salt desert in the world located at an altitude of 3,700 m above sea level! The landscapes are breathtaking. This region is almost desert-like, with only a few cacti perched on islands emerging from the white expanse. The horizon line disappears, perspectives no longer exist, this place is probably one of the most incredible deserts in the world.

Going on an expedition to the Salar de Uyuni is also an opportunity to cross the Sud Lipez, another desert part of the region where pink flamingos, vicuñas, viscachas, and even rheas share the vastness, and where volcanoes and colored lagoons guarantee you exceptional photos… It is entirely possible to visit the Salar during a Peru-Bolivia combined trip.

Perched at 3,650 m altitude, the Salar de Uyuni is one of the largest deserts in the world! Covered with a salt crust, you can see passing pink flamingos, a “cactus island” and even stay in a hotel entirely built with salt. #salardeuyuni #bolivia #southamerica #trekking #adventure #traveladdict #exploretheworld #tourism #wanderlust #quotatrip

A post shared by Voyage Sur Mesure (@quotatrip) on Feb 20, 2018 at 3:44 PST

The Northern Lights in Iceland

It is one of the most beautiful light shows that can be observed in the sky of the northern hemisphere. The northern lights are generally observed near the magnetic poles. Scandinavian countries are often well placed to see them. Like any natural phenomenon, it cannot be controlled and so the traveler is not certain to be able to observe it. That’s what makes the magic of the moment when the sky lights up in green, purple, pink, or blue! The strongest northern lights are seen in the middle of winter, between October and March, when the night is deep.

The temples of Bagan in Myanmar

During a stay in Myanmar, a visit to Bagan is one of the must-see trips. There, more than 2,000 pagodas, temples, and monasteries of red brick stretch as far as the eye can see in the middle of the vegetation. Built between the 10th and 14th centuries, several of these monuments are still highly revered by the population. The site is superb when seen from above. Between October and March, a hot air balloon ride will leave you with a memorable memory.

The temples of Angkor in Cambodia

The temples of Angkor, majestic architecture in the heart of the Cambodian jungle, have been listed as a UNESCO heritage site since 1992. The remains of the capital of the Khmer empire from the 9th to the 15th century attract a huge number of visitors every year. The archaeological site covers nearly 400 km², much of which is still invisible, as it is completely buried under vegetation.

The most famous temples are those of Angkor Wat and Angkor Thom, the temple of Bayon and its hundreds of statues. But there are still many more that you can come across along the paths. The Angkor site impresses with its size, but above all with the work of the people behind every stone. A titanic work that is still delivered to us today.

When you are there, take advantage of the advice of a local guide who will give you explanations about certain details of each temple, or get lost in the temples where nature has reclaimed its place, with these huge fig trees invading the stones. If you wish, take an elephant ride: the sensation is strange but makes the experience no less enriching. Finally, if you are lucky, ask archaeologists in the middle of restoration so they can tell you more.

The best season to go is probably between October and February, as it is what can be called the dry season. Outside this period, temperatures are much higher and rainfall is very frequent (resulting in a very high humidity rate). So be sure to consider the season when you want to go to Cambodia.

The Great Wall of China

The Great Wall of China, the only man-made monument that can be seen from space. Isn’t it impressive when you know it was built piece by piece between the 5th century BC and the 16th century AD?

If you count all the sections of the wall and put them together, you get a length of more than 21,000 km, but what you visit of the Great Wall of China is mainly the fortifications dating from the Ming era (from the 14th to the 16th century) which are more than 8,000 km long, about 7 m high and between 4 and 5 meters wide.

The Great Wall of China was built by Chinese rulers to protect their kingdom from external dangers. If at first China did not have many enemies, the wall was mainly used to deter and reassure, but with the rise of other kingdoms such as the Hun people of Mongolia, the Great Wall of China became a real fortification, necessary and effective to protect the kingdom.

Why go there?

• For its ranking among the 7 new wonders of the world
• To reflect on what man is capable of doing to protect himself, and this, for thousands of years
• To take splendid photos and say “I’ve been there! I walked on the Great Wall of China.” We assure you that you will not be disappointed

The Great Barrier Reef in Australia

The Great Barrier Reef is the largest coral reef in the world with 2,000 km along the coast of Australia and is visible from space. It currently has almost 2,900 reefs and 900 islands.

But what is coral?

Coral is a marine animal from warm seas that secretes a calcareous skeleton called a polyp. They live in large groups and form their own morphology, thus creating what is called a reef. While there are several coral reefs in the world, the most impressive is indeed the Great Barrier Reef in Australia. Firstly because of its size and, secondly, because it is home to hundreds of species of marine fauna and flora. These find refuge and food there to be able to live in complete tranquility.

Why go there now?

Quite simply, because the Great Barrier Reef is threatened. The warming of the oceans as well as pollution caused by humans are gradually destroying this environment which took thousands of years to form. By going there, you will be able to observe one of the greatest wonders of the natural world but also become aware of the importance of acting now to protect the oceans and the planet.

The Okavango Delta in Botswana

One of the must-see trips is indeed a trip to Botswana. The country is located between South Africa, Namibia, and Zimbabwe. In the north of the country, the Okavango River does not reach the sea but ends its course in the Kalahari Desert. It forms the second largest inland delta in the world where thousands of birds, mammals, reptiles, and fish come to take refuge.

The site is so rich in African biodiversity that it was declared by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site in 2014.

During the dry season, from May to October, species concentrate at the water’s edge in the Moremi reserve. It is then possible to observe lions, zebras, rhinoceroses, gazelles, leopards… There are few roads to access it and the dugout canoe or plane are the most suitable means of transport. A safari in Botswana is the only way to discover this area where entry is highly regulated.